EPA Closer to Regulating Greenhouse Gases

December 7, 2009

EPA Closer to Regulating Greenhouse Gases

A new finding is intended to spur action at the Copenhagen climate change conference.

On the first day of the
Copenhagen climate change conference the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has found that
greenhouse gases constitute a threat to human health–a prerequisite for the
agency to start regulating the gases.

The timing of the announcement is
intended to boost efforts to reach a climate change agreement at the
conference. Many countries have criticized the lack of action on climate change
from the U.S., but now U.S. negotiators have an argument that their country is
taking greenhouse gases seriously. If Congress fails to legislate for greenhouse
gas emissions reductions, the EPA will step in.

“Today’s action is a step
towards enduring, pragmatic solutions to the enormous challenge of climate
change,” EPA administrator Lisa Jackson said (according to a copy of
her speech). “It also means that we arrive at the climate talks in
Copenhagen with a clear demonstration of our commitment to facing this global
challenge. We hope that today’s announcement serves as another incentive for
far-reaching accords in our meetings this week.”